NBA

Marc Gasol expresses frustration with Grizzlies' season

NBA.com Global on Mar 01, 2018 07:54 AM

FILE - MEMPHIS, TN - APRIL 22: Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies is seen after hitting the game winning shot against the San Antonio Spurs in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at the FedEx Forum on April 22, 2017 (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)

NBA.com staff report

Not since his rookie season has Memphis Grizzlies star center Marc Gasol been on a team destined for less than 40 wins. From 2009-10 to last season, the Grizzlies hit at least the 40-win mark and made the playoffs in each of those seven seasons. Today, the Grizzlies are 18-41, losers of 10 straight after injuries have wreaked havoc on the roster all season.

The Phoenix Suns (losers of 10 straight as well) visit today and after yesterday's practice, Gasol opened up about some of his frustrations with the team's losing ways. Ronald Tillery of The Commercial Appeal was on hand and captured video of Gasol talking about the season, which has been transcribed below:

When asked by The Commercial Appeal if tonight's game vs. Phoenix would be an opportunity to win, Gasol said that would be the ideal situation for the Grizzlies for a variety of reasons.

"That'd be ideal just to show guys and give confidence to guys to show them that doing the right thing, it's important. It makes you win games. Winning is what this is about," Gasol said. "It's not about somebody playing well or getting, you know, your reps or developing players. Because we have a league for that. We have a league and a team here in Memphis to develop guys. This is the NBA, not the G League."

WATCH: When asked his level of frustration with losing, Griz center Marc Gasol said: “It’s pretty high.” Gasol went on to essentially say winning is what professional sports are about. "It isn’t about developing players. Because we have a league for that.”https://t.co/r2462OK98I

As of mid-Feburary, the Grizzlies had lost 175 games to injury or illness among 14 players. The team learned in January that point guard Mike Conley needs heel surgery and would not return this season. Conley was limited to just 12 games this season, last playing on Nov. 13. Others, such as veteran Chandler Parsons, have been in and out of the lineup with injuries as well. The rest of the playing rotation has been comprised of young players and rookies.